Advancing 21st-Century Creativity and Innovation into Japanese Educational System

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JAPANEDU: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran Bahasa Jepang Vol. 08, No. 01, June 2023, pp. 36-39

36 | P a g e e- ISSN 2528-5548 | p-ISSN 2776-4478

A B S T R A C T

The 21st century requires a new set of skills for success in a global economy. Creativity and innovation are essential components of skills, yet the current Japanese educational system does not place a strong emphasis on these skills. This paper stated the importance of project-based learning and technology integration approaches that can be used to advance creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system. By promoting creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system, we can help to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that are essential for success in the 21st century. The paper provides detailed strategies for overcoming challenges in advancing 21st-century creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system. Finally, the paper emphasizes the importance of providing teachers with the necessary training and support to implement innovative approaches effectively.

K E Y W O R D S

21st-Century teaching approach; Creativity; Innovation skills; Japanese educational system.

A R T I C L E I N F O

First received: 26 may 2023 Revised: 15 June 2023 Final proof accepted: 20 June 2023 Available online: 25 June 2023

INTRODUCTION

Japan has a long history of producing innovative and creative products, from technology to art.

However, in recent years, the country has faced challenges in adapting to the rapidly changing world and keeping up with the demands of the 21st century. Advancing 21st-century creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system is crucial for preparing students for the rapidly changing and complex world of the future.

Creativity and innovation are increasingly recognized as essential components of 21st-century skills and are valued by employers and entrepreneurs alike. However, the current Japanese education system does not place a strong

emphasis on these skills and there is a need to re- evaluate and update the curriculum to better reflect the needs of the modern world. The traditional Japanese education system has been known for its focus on academic achievement and discipline but there is a growing recognition that these traditional approaches may not be sufficient for developing the skills and competencies needed for success in the 21st century. According to World Economic Forum (2016), creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving are among the top skills that will be in demand in the future job market.

Additionally, a study by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) (2018) found that innovation is a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness in Japan. Recognizing the importance of creativity and innovation in the 21st

Advancing 21st-Century Creativity and Innovation Into the Japanese Educational System

Moses Adeleke Adeoye

Al-Hikmah University Ilorin-Nigeria [email protected]

JAPANEDU:

Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pengajaran Bahasa Jepang

http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/japanedu/index

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century, the Japanese government introduced the

“Future School” initiative which aims at promoting creativity and innovation through project-based learning and other innovative approaches.

However, there is still much work to be done to fully integrate creativity and innovation into the Japanese educational system. One approach to advancing creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system is to incorporate project-based learning (PBL) into the curriculum.

PBL is a student-centered approach to learning that emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. By engaging students in real- world projects that require creativity and innovation, PBL can help to develop the skills and competencies needed for success in the 21st century. Another approach is to integrate technology into the curriculum and teach students how to use technology as a tool for creativity and innovation. This can include teaching coding and programming skills as well as providing access to tools and resources for digital design, animation, and video production. To advance creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system, it is also important to provide teachers with the training and support they need to implement these new approaches effectively. This can include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and ongoing support from educational leaders and policymakers. Advancing creativity and innovation are essential components of the 21st-century skill set that is necessary for success in today's global economy.

Additionally, fostering creativity and innovation in students can help to develop their problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. According to the report “The Future of Jobs” by the World Economic Forum, creativity and critical thinking are among the top skills that will be in demand in the future job market. In Japan, the current education system places a strong emphasis on rote learning and standardized testing which can stifle creativity and innovation. As a result, Japanese students may not be adequately prepared for the changing demands of the job market. According to the 21st Century Skills and Competences for New Millennium Learners in OECD Countries, teachers need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to foster creativity and innovation in their students.

According to the report “The Innovation Imperative in Education” by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

(OECD), traditional teaching methods that emphasize memorization rather than critical thinking and problem-solving skills are still prevalent in Japan. This can limit students' ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems. Another challenge is the lack of teacher training and support in promoting creativity and innovation.

According to an OECD report, teachers in Japan often lack the training and support needed to implement innovative teaching practices in the classroom. This can lead to a reluctance to try new approaches and a lack of confidence in promoting creativity and innovation in students.

Furthermore, the hierarchical nature of the Japanese education system can also hinder progress. According to the report “Education in Japan” by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the education system in Japan is highly centralized with a strong emphasis on conformity and obedience. This can limit the ability of teachers to implement innovative approaches and can discourage students from thinking outside the box.

To address these challenges, the Japanese education system needs to shift its focus toward promoting creativity and innovation. This can be achieved through the adoption of new approaches such as project-based learning and technology integration as well as by providing teachers with the necessary training and support to implement these approaches effectively.

METHOD

This paper is a literature survey. Data was obtained from internet sources, specifically, articles published in international journals. Data was then collected, reviewed, and concluded as well as compared with the current situation to create this paper.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Approaches to Advancing Creativity and Innovation in the Japanese Educational System

Advancing creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system requires a multifaceted approach that includes project-based learning, technology integration, and providing

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Moses Adeleke Adeoye, Advancing 21st-Century Creativity and Innovation Into the Japanese Educational System

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teachers with the necessary training and support.

Detailed information is in the following points.

The first is Project-Based Learning. Project- based learning (PBL) is an approach that allows students to work on real-world problems and develop their creativity and innovation skills. In the Japanese educational system, PBL can help to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills among students. One of the advantages of PBL is that it can help to make learning more engaging and relevant to students.

According to George Lucas Educational Foundation (2015), PBL can help students to see the connections between what they are learning in the classroom and the real world. This can increase student motivation and engagement in the learning process. PBL can also help to promote interdisciplinary learning. By working on real- world problems, students can draw on knowledge and skills from different subject areas such as science, mathematics, and social studies. This can help to break down the traditional subject-area silos that exist in the Japanese educational system.

According to a report in Japan, project-based learning has been implemented in some schools such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School with positive results.

The second is Technology Integration.

Integrating technology can be a powerful tool for advancing creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system. It's important to note that technology is not a panacea and should be used in conjunction with other approaches such as project-based learning and teacher training and support. Technology integration can support personalized and flexible learning experiences, allowing students to work at their own pace and in their way. Technology integration can be particularly effective when it is aligned with specific learning objectives and when it is integrated in a meaningful and purposeful way into the curriculum. It is important to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of technology integration and to adjust as needed to ensure that it is meeting the needs of students and supporting their learning.

However, there are initiatives underway by the government's “Digital Japan Creation Project”

which aims to provide all students with access to digital devices and high-speed internet. By providing students with access to technology such as computers and tablets, they can explore new ideas and collaborate with others. According to a report in Japan, the Japanese government has

made significant investments in technology in education including the introduction of a one-to- one computer program in some schools.

The third is Teacher Training and Support.

Providing teachers with the necessary training and support is crucial for advancing creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system.

According to the report, the educational system in Japan is highly centralized with a strong emphasis on conformity and obedience. This can limit the ability of teachers to implement innovative approaches and can discourage students from thinking outside the box. Providing teachers with the necessary training and support is also crucial in advancing creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system. According to the report, teachers need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to foster creativity and innovation in their students. This can be achieved through professional development programs and ongoing support from school leaders. Teachers can also benefit from collaborative learning experiences such as professional learning communities or peer mentoring programs. This can help to promote knowledge-sharing and support among colleagues. This can help to ease the transition into teaching and promote professional growth. Teachers need to be involved in the development of curricula and instructional materials that promote creativity and innovation.

This can help to ensure that the materials are relevant and engaging for students.

Teachers need to have the skills to assess student learning and provide feedback that promotes growth and development. This can include formative assessment strategies that provide ongoing feedback as well as summative assessments that measure student progress.

Finally, teachers need access to resources and support to implement innovative approaches in the classroom. This can include access to technology, funding for materials and resources, and support from administrators and colleagues.

Potential Strategies for Overcoming Challenges in Advancing 21st-Century Creativity and Innovation in the Japanese Educational System

Project-based learning can help to make learning more engaging and relevant to students.

Encouraging interdisciplinary learning, student agency and autonomy, and real-world problem-

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solving can help to promote creativity and innovation. Providing access to technology, digital literacy training and collaborative and personalized learning opportunities can help to promote creativity and innovation. Fostering a culture of experimentation and risk-taking can help encourage creativity and innovation in students and teachers. Providing opportunities for creativity and innovation outside the classroom can help to reinforce the importance of these skills and provide students with additional opportunities to develop them. This can include after-school programs, clubs, competitions, and community events.

Promoting diversity and incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum will provide opportunities for students to engage with different cultures and ideas can help to foster a more innovative educational system. Implementing these potential strategies can help to overcome the challenges in advancing 21st-century creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system.

However, it will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to create a more innovative and creative educational system that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, advancing creativity and innovation in the Japanese educational system is crucial for preparing students for the demands of the 21st- century job market. By adopting new approaches such as project-based learning and technology integration and providing teachers with the necessary training and support, Japan can create a more innovative and competitive workforce.

REFERENCES

Buck Institute for Education. (2016). Project-Based Learning Research Review.

George Lucas Educational Foundation. (2015). Project- Based Learning: Inspiring Middle School Students to Engage in Deep and Active Learning.

Japan External Trade Organization (2018). Education in Japan.

Japan External Trade Organization (2018). Japanese Innovation: Driving Growth and Competitiveness.

Kolb, D.A. (2015). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. New Jersey: FT press.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (2016). 21st Century Skills and Competences for New Millennium Learners in OECD Countries.

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2013). The Innovation Imperative in Education.

Reimers, F.M. (Ed.) (2020). Audacious Education Purposes: How Governments Transform the Goals of Education Systems

Shimomura, M., & Fujii, K. (2016). The Role of Project- Based Learning in Developing 21^st Century Skills in Japan. Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange, 19(2), 1-18.

Villegas-Reimers, E. (2003). Teacher professional development. An international review of the literature.

Paris: UNESCO. International Institute for Educational Planning.

World Bank. (2018). World development report 2018.

Learning to realize education’s promise.

Washington, DC: World Bank

World Economic Forum (2016). The Future of Jobs:

Employment, Skills and Workforce Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.